Residents sound off about beach boardwalk concerns during county meeting
While it wasn’t on the agenda for the Tuesday, Aug. 25, Santa Rosa County Commission meeting in Tiger Point, the Navarre Beach Event Hall and Boardwalk project was front and center.
Over 25 people signed up to speak at the meeting, with most wanting to speak out in opposition to the project, which is currently out for bid until Sept. 3. Assistant County Administrator Jared Lowe gave a recap of the project’s timeline before any residents spoke.
Four Northwest Florida animal groups receive combine $95K in grants
Florida Animal Friend, a nonprofit that supports free and low-cost spay and neuter services, recently awarded a combined $95,000 to four Northwest Florida organizations. Throughout the state, Florida Animal Friend handed out $798,053 to 38 organizations.
The organizations in Northwest Florida are A Hope, Crestview Animal Services, Santa Rosa County Animal Services and Save Our Cats and Kittens Inc. (SOCKS). A Hope, SRCAS and SOCKS all received $25,000. Crestview Animal Services received $20,000.
Injured owl saved by deputy, later euthanized
When out on patrol, Santa Rosa County sheriff’s deputies know to keep their eyes out for anything suspicious.
While most incidents involve people, Deputy Dwayne Smith encountered something with two wings Thursday, Aug. 20, around 11 a.m.
HNWS sets rules, timeline for 2027 election
On a night when many in Navarre were paying attention to the Florida primary elections, Holley-Navarre Water System’s (HNWS) board of directors was making plans for its own election.
Each January, HNWS holds an annual meeting, during which members elect candidates to serve on the water board. At its Aug. 18 meeting, the board appointed a director to the canvassing board, approved the election calendar and discussed candidate qualifications.
Holley-Navarre fire assessment increase wins voter approval
Holley-Navarre Fire District got what it asked for.
On Tuesday, Aug. 18, Navarre voters supported a fire assessment increase. According to the Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections, the ballot measure received 3,727 “yes” votes to 2,839 “no” votes. Percentage-wise, the vote was 56.76 percent to 43.24 percent.
Fecal matters: Where Navarre Beach’s wastewater goes
Navarre Beach wastewater treatment plant filters, sifts, dilutes and cleans around 250,000 gallons of wastewater per day.
After leaving a house, condominium or business on Navarre Beach, wastewater travels to 1411 Utility Drive, where it is treated until finally being pumped into Santa Rosa Sound. The county-owned facility is permitted to dispense up to 700,000 gallons per day into the waterway.
FWC Pensacola Lionfish Invitational Tournament set for September
The 1st Annual FWC Pensacola Lionfish Invitational Tournament and Festival is coming to Plaza de Luna, Palafox Pier in Pensacola, Florida, Sept. 24 to 27.
Whether you’re competing in the tournament or just joining the festival fun, FWC encourages people bring the family to learn about lionfish, taste this invasive species, enjoy activities and raffles and experience a weekend of conservation and community.
Local cinemas rebrand with new marketing campaign
The Breeze Cinema 8 in Gulf Breeze, The Ridge Cinema 8 in Pace and Marquis Cinema 10 in Crestview have been under the ownership of the Offerdahl family since their inception.
Their company, which operates as Ashbrie Cinemas, recently made a rebranding effort with updated logos, site upgrades and a new marketing campaign.
Vietnamese church explores move to Midway property
A church may be moving into the old bottled water delivery buildings off East Bay Boulevard in Midway.
According to documents submitted to Santa Rosa County Development Services, the Vietnamese Christian Church of Northwest Florida is exploring a move to the two existing structures on the 1.38-acre property.
PHOTOS: Soundside High School’s first day
Soundside High School opened its doors to students Aug. 10. This first day marked the first time classes were taught at the new three-story high school.











